SHILLONG: Marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” the Raj Bhavan in Shillong today observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). Speaking at the Durbar Hall, Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar stressed that vigilance against threats to national integrity must be maintained, both from external forces and within the country.
The Governor’s keynote address underscored the enduring relevance of Sardar Patel’s legacy in laying the foundation for national unity, stability, and progress.
The Dual Threat to National Cohesion
Drawing lessons from his own reflections, Governor Vijayashankar urged citizens to remain committed to preserving the nation’s cohesion. He issued a call to action: “It is our duty to maintain the unity, integrity and dignity of Bharat Mata.”
He lauded Sardar Patel’s pivotal role in integrating the princely states, describing it as one of history’s greatest political achievements. The Governor also highlighted Patel’s lasting contribution to governance through the establishment of the All India Services (IAS, IPS, and IFS), which he termed the “steel frame of India” for upholding administrative continuity.
Meghalaya: A Model for Unity in Diversity
Governor Vijayashankar noted that National Unity Day is being celebrated nationwide under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reaffirm the vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
Praising Meghalaya, he cited the state’s rich cultural diversity and its longstanding commitment to peace, mutual respect, and coexistence. He emphasized that unity does not mean uniformity, but rather the celebration of differences while working together for collective progress.
The event, which commemorated the spirit of unity, saw the participation of the Meghalaya Police, BSF, CRPF, along with numerous teachers and students.
